Act 5, Scene 6

[Dunsinane. Before the castle. Drum and colors. Enter Malcolm, Siward, Macduff, and their Army, with boughs]

Malcolm

Now near enough; your leafy screens throw down,

And show like those you are. You, worthy uncle,

Performance

Malcolm, Lines 1-6a

Shall, with my cousin, your right-noble son,

Lead our first battle. Worthy Macduff and we

Shall take upon 's what else remains to do,

Malcolm

We’re close enough now. Throw down your branches and show yourselves. Uncle, you and your worthy son will lead the first battalion in the attack. Macduff and I will direct the rest of the army according to our plans.

Siward

Farewell. If we find Macbeth’s forces tonight, we deserve to lose if we can’t put up a good fight.

Macduff

Blow our trumpets. Give them voice, these announcers of blood and death!

[All exit]

According to our order.

Language

The Royal "We"

Language

The Royal "We"

Malcolm, anticipating that he will soon be crowned the legitimate king of Scotland, has started using the royal “we” when referring to himself.